Pain and Health Related Quality of Life in Patients with Superficial Vein Thrombosis: A Post Hoc Analysis of the Multicentre INSIGHTS-SVT Study.

Abstract

Superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) is common and often painful, yet data on patient related outcomes are limited. This study assessed pain intensity and health related quality of life (QoL) in SVT and identified associated clinical factors. This was a post hoc analysis of prospectively collected data from a multicentre observational registry (INSIGHTS-SVT) in Germany, with follow up at 7 - 14 days, 45 days, three months, and 12 months. The INSIGHTS-SVT registry included 1 159 patients with acute isolated SVT of the lower limbs. Pain due to SVT and injection related pain were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) (0 - 10). QoL was assessed using EQ-5D-5L and VEINES-QOL/Sym. Regression analyses and propensity adjusted comparisons between fondaparinux and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) were performed. SVT related pain was moderate at baseline (mean 4.4 ± 2.3) and markedly declined over one year (to 0.7 at three months and 0.8 at 12 months; both p < .001). Injection site pain was low and improved similarly. EQ-5D VAS increased from 70.6 ± 18.7 to 77.1 ± 18.1 (p < .001). VEINES-Sym scores improved statistically significantly (59.1 to 78.3), while VEINES-QOL changed only slightly. Female sex, obesity, and thrombus extent were linked to worse symptoms. Pain at 12 months remained more common in women and obese patients. Fondaparinux was associated with less injection site pain than LMWH (adjusted mean difference -0.9; p = .008). SVT causes moderate early pain and impaired QoL. Although symptoms improve, some patients, especially women and obese individuals, report prolonged discomfort. Routine assessment of patient reported outcomes may improve risk stratification and support individualised, symptom oriented SVT management.